Men Hockey Team all set to depart for Malaysia for the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup today

New Delhi, 2 April 2015: After an intense and highly competitive Hero Hockey India League, the Indian Men National Hockey Team is all geared-up for their first international tournament of the year - the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup - to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from 5th April to 12th April 2015. The Asian Games Gold medallist Indian team will face Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Canada and host Malaysia in the prestigious tournament.

The team will be led by Captain Sardar Singh and supported by Vice-Captain PR Sreejesh. Also this will be the first tournament under new Chief Coach Paul van Ass and the team looks confident of starting the tourney on a winning note. The 18-member squad will depart today at 11:00 pm from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Speaking from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Captain Sardar Singh said: "The team is upbeat and confident under the new Chief Coach. In the training sessions he has taught us to keep working on our strengths. He highlights our strengths and has guided us on how to work on our weaknesses. He even has given emphasis on improving oneself technically and this has helped us feel more confident. We are positive to give a tough time to the opponents".

Speaking on the present team and upcoming series Chief Coach Paul van Ass said: "This is a very capable team and as a unit they can give a tough time to the opponents on any given day. The players during the Champions Trophy showcased that they are hungry to win and open to take on newer challenges. This is my first assignment and I am expecting a very good start. The last few days I have spent understanding each player's way of playing and have tried to guide them to improve on certain aspects."

The 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup at Malaysia will be played from 5 - 12 April 2015 and six teams will be seen fighting it out for the title. India will play their first match against Korea at 15.40 IST on 5 April 2015. India will play their first match against Korea at 15:40 HRS IST on 5 April 2015.